No matter the result, Nate Marquardt’s first attempt to defend the Strikeforce welterweight title will be his last.
Against Tarec Saffiedine, Marquardt will headline the final fight card in Strikeforce history, as it has been announced the organization will close down following the event (via MMAFighting.com). The event was originally expected to feature three championship bouts, but Marquardt has been the only titleholder to remain healthy enough to compete.
Marquardt was released from the UFC after failing a pre-fight medical exam prior to his scheduled main event bout with Rick Story at UFC on Versus 4.
Should he win in his final Strikeforce appearance, Marquardt would almost surely make a return to the Octagon. Even if he loses, Marquardt would be a solid addition to the UFC’s welterweight roster.
As Strikeforce’s final days wind down, let’s take a look at Marquardt’s chances of winning its final title fight.